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Small Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson – Review by Nakyshia Leger

Small FrySmall Fry by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Starting middle school is hard enough.. Being the new kid is even harder.. Starting middle school as the new kid who is also different.. Well, the odds are against you. Silas is determined not to let it get him down, though! If ever there was a tale of perseverance, this just happens to be it! This fast-paced read takes you on the rollercoaster that is middle school life. It is relatable and takes you on a ride of emotions. Silas and his grandfather have a beautiful relationship. All in all, this is a fun little read for preteens!

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Kerry Baker

The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a beauty story about grief, family and connection. It is such a moving story and emotional on every level. This book is entirely about the characters and their journeys – both individual and combined. Each of them were so different and yet their connection brought them together and forged a story so deep.
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I am impressed with the level and style of writing. This book drew me in entirely and I had to see it through to the end. It felt like I was there with the characters, going on the journey with them. I loved every minute of this book and I cannot wait to read more from this author.

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The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising Book 3) by Nadia Han – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising, #3)The Innovator by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Innovator is the third book in the WaterFyre Rising series. Although this book continues on from the first two books it can easily be read as a standalone. Grayson has been hurt in the past by a woman, so he has all but shunned off women and withdrawn from his family after his uncle’s betrayal. His way of dealing with life is by throwing himself into his work. This keeps him too busy for romance or relationships as he tries to juggle numerous projects all at once. Natalie has recently moved to the United States from Paris for work and has no time for love or romance. She is grieving the loss of her father and intends to focus on the mysteries surrounding her father and his death.

When Grayson and Natalie cross paths they argue and do not get along at all. Grayson does find Natalie very attractive and loves to get under her skin by bickering with her. Natalie is attracted to Grayson as well and continues the banter back and forth with him. As they start to spend more time together things begin to heat up. When they end up alone in a building together will the chemistry between them become undeniable? Can there ever be a future for these two as a couple?

This series has been great and each book builds on the other as the pieces start to come together and form a bigger story. The characters are intriguing as is the case with Grayson and Natalie. Both are hard-working, successful, smart, independent, and hard-headed. Each has found their own way of dealing with loss, grief, and betrayal by shutting out others and focusing on work. They butt heads and bicker because they are more alike than they would like to admit which makes the enemies to lovers’ aspect of this story so plausible. This book was wonderfully written, and the author did a beautiful job of covering sensitive topics such as grief, loss, suicide, and eating disorders. If you want a read full of suspense, tension, romance, passion, and chemistry this book is a must.

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An emotional and engaging read, which kept me captivated throughout. The storyline centres around a mother’s determination to help her daughters to reconcile, but her planned intervention never happens, and it becomes her dying wish instead. The story is told through a collection of connected short stories and poems. The plot explores a family’s journey through loss, death and grief, and so it does take you on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. However, the characters are so well defined that I felt engaged with them. Main characters, Mercedes and Lacey Bloom, along with Krista White all go on a journey of discovery as they try and heal their difficult relationships. The setting, which was partially set in beautiful Victoria, BC, was brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the story. I found this to be an inspirational story about loss and grief, but overall it’s a story of family relationships, and one which I would recommend.

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A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Tausha Treadway

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris. This is such a fun retelling of Cinderella with a touch of Steampunk thrown in. Its the story of Ellie who has had a spell cast on her by her evil step mother. She and her dad have different spells and her spell causes her to have to live like a servant at her own home. She is friends with her stepsister which made me happy because she had one ally in her home. Her best friend that she hasn’t seen in years, Benjamin, has come back and been reunited with her. Now this story takes place in the late 1800’s so there are strict rules as far as men and women go. Now Benjamin sets out to try to get this curse reversed and he will do everything he can to help Ellie. Now if this spell is not broken by midnight she will forever be a servant in her own home and have no hopes of love or happiness. This is such a fun retelling and I’m sure young adults and even older adults like me will enjoy it!

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Julie Johnson

The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a very emotional read but one that might help someone struggling with loss.

Krista and Lacey are sisters who’ve lost their way with each other. Life has dealt them a series of blows that have cost them a lifelong friendship, not to mention a family bond. When they are faced with the tragedy of losing their mother, this bond is even further apart.

Mercedes is the daughter of Lacey and made an agreement with her grandmother on her deathbed that she would see to it that the sisters make a trip that they’d been talking about for over a year.

When neither sister wants to make this trip, it’s up to Merci to get them to go. But then, Merci has some secret that she’s keeping that she does not want revealed either.

This is a story of love, loss, redemption, and forgiveness. Lacey and Krista are like fire and ice. They clash over so many things but they are ultimately just “things” that get in the way of a great relationship.

I recommend this book for anyone who is going through the fires of loss, disappointment, or feeling lonely/discouraged. This book will bring about a different perspective on life when it can be seen through the eyes of another. This is loosely based on a true story with the author and the way this was penned was just beautiful. There is a religious element that was such an important thread to this story!

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson. This is such a beautiful set of short stories that are absolutely heartbreaking. Its the story of 2 sisters who have become estranged and their mom makes a plan to reconnect them with her granddaughter but before she can see her plan come to fruition she passes away. The daughters just don’t know if they can reconnect but want to make their mom’s wish come true. Especially when their daughter/niece wants them to make up because she told her grandma she would help. Krista and Lacey are just like any family members that end up not speaking because of something and it hits home so much. They truly want to make their mom’s dying wish come true but its so much work and it just may be too much work. If they don’t reconcile they will end up hurting their daughter/niece Mercy and she will be devastated. Read these heartwarming stories to see if a trip can put this family back together.

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Obedience ( Ties that Bind Book 1 ) by Liza Snow – Review by Caralee Loonat

ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really like to find new authors and new series. This book ticked both boxes. I really enjoyed reading this book as the author brought the characters to life. There is just enough drama mixed in with romance that it was well balanced. I like how the author was able to build the world around a sort of faux pox of student teacher romance. I was drawn into the book from page one and didn’t want to put this book down. The characters have a electrifying chemistry and just jump off of the pages. I look forward to reading more from this author and this series.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Promised Plan is an interweaving of short stories and poems and tells the story of grief, loss, estrangement, and familial relationships. It is a gut wrenching read full of raw emotions and feelings that will leave you in tears. This is a story that I know many, including myself, can relate to. As a mother we all want for our children to be close so when an estrangement occurs between siblings it can be difficult for a mother.

This story centers around a mother who devises a plan to reconcile her daughters but passes away before she is able to do so. As her dying wish she enlists the help of her granddaughter, Merci, to help her get her daughters to reconcile. Lacey attempts to keep estranged from her sister Krista, until her daughter intervenes. She risks disappointing and hurting her daughter if she does not try to forgive her sister. Can these women come together and reconcile after losing their mother? Or will hurt, anger, and hard feelings keep them estranged?

The author beautifully tells the story of how hurt, disagreements, and misunderstandings can occur between siblings. The result is not just estrangement between the siblings, but it causes a ripple effect through the family that can cause feelings of anger, betrayal, and sadness. After losing their mother Lacey and Krista must decide if they can push the hurt, guilt, and anger behind them and forgive one another in order to reconcile. The story hits home for me because of my relationship with my sibling so this was a difficult and emotional read for me. This book will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as the author navigates through the difficult topics of death, grief, loss, familial relationships, estrangement, secrets, lies, anger, betrayal, hurt, forgiveness, and reconciliation. I highly recommend this book!

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Consigliere’s Revenge (Sicilian Gods Book 3) by Via Mari – Review by Paloma Fierro 15/05/2023

Lorenzo is a consigliere for one of the most famous underworld Italian families. Under his care the men that deal with the destiny of  Las Vegas can be safe on their dark developments.

 

Isabella has a bad history with the Italian mafia in Las Vegas, so she had made her work life as a journalist to publish the underworks public in order for the people to know exactly what kind of control the darkness has in the everyday things.

 

None of them can see where their destiny may collide and change them forever.

Afflicted Love (Rhythm & Heart Series) by Autumn Sand – Review by Heidi Schoolman

Afflicted LoveAfflicted Love by Autumn Sand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a M/M romance novel and is 194 pages in length. This story follows Kyle and Lyle. Both had a traumatic, abusive past. Once they met, they were inseparable. As they became older, feelings started to emerge. Kyle had to leave but swore he would come back for Lyle. A tragedy in the family brings them back together and it’s time to face each other.

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Corpse Pixie by Sinister Styx – Review by Susan Ratchford

Corpse PixieCorpse Pixie by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Corpse Pixie
By: Sinister Styx
Review by: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars

I had an absolute blast reading this book. I loved the way the characters played off each other! Corpse Pixie has the perfect blend of comedy, romance, and dark fantasy! Belladonna and Renè’s story was sexy and very intriguing. I also loved Seraphine! I only wish there was more! The length did make it a wonderful date night read! With fast paced action and a mystery to boot you will absolutely love this eccentric fantasy! I truly hope this is the start of a series. I need more of this group!

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Tally and the Angel: Book Two, Canada by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Canada (Tally and the Angel #2)Canada by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Book two of Tally and the Angel they are off to Canada to continue the adventures her and her sidekick, Jophiel, started in book one. In the first book Tally met an angel named Jophiel who was contained in a necklace that she inherited. This book is geared towards pre-teens, in the 9-13 years of age category, but is a fun read for all ages.

In her latest adventure Tally finds herself in Whitehorse where the temperatures are at minus 25 degrees centigrade. Her dad has booked them a holiday at a retreat where they can learn how to cross the tundra with a team of sled dogs. Tally immediately notices how cold it is when her nose hairs freeze up so Tally and her dad have to learn to dress for the weather. This requires layering up on their clothing in order to stay warm. They then set off across the snowy tundra in search of adventure but get more than they bargained for when Tally’s dad is injured.

He is taken to a small, remote village to heal where the villagers do not leave because of an ancient curse. Tally’s dad is now in imminent danger and only Tally and Jophiel can save him by battling against Both earthbound and mythical creatures like gold hunters and mystical wolves. Tally is in a life-or-death situation as races against time to save her dad and rid the village of the ancient curse.

This book was wonderfully written with a great storyline, descriptive scenes, and amazing characters. The scenes were described so vividly that it immerses you into that place. Right down to describing frozen nose hairs with the cold temperatures. I understand completely how that feels because I live in a part of Canada where temperatures can sometimes get to minus forty degrees centigrade over the winter months. What a shock it must have been for Tally to go from India to the Yukon, yikes! The author did a fantastic job of describing the climate, the Yukon, and sled dogs. Tally and Jophiel both really grow as characters and the bond between them starts to forge as they spend more time together. Tally learns to be courageous in the face of danger in order to save her dad. This book was full of danger, suspense, mystery, action, and adventure as Tally went up against both real and mythical beings. A great read for all ages.

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Kerry Carr

The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very moving and emotional read. It contains poems and is like short stories bit it all covers the same topic. It’s a story of one families way of dealing with the loss of their mother/ wife/grandmother. Such a huge loss in a family can make friction and arguments even worse as everyone tries to deal with their grief in their own way. Resentment can build and push people further apart at the time they should be the closest they have ever been.
When their mum passed Krista and Lacey were already not on speaking terms. These once close sisters have a wedge between them that needs to be fixed and before their mum passed she had a plan to do just that. However fate intervened and their mum didn’t make it to see her daughters reconcile. That is now down to the granddaughter to execute this plan and hopefully repair the damage.
This story is a story of grief, guilt, shame, dealing with all of these issues and some unresolved issues that have pushed the sisters apart.
This book is a very open and honest look at grief and dealing with loss. At times it’s not pretty as the sisters struggle with resentment towards God, the circumstances and even each other as well as feelings of guilt that they could have done more.
It is a beautifully open honest look into a family torn apart by loss and grief and the hope that no matter what things can become better and conflicts can be resolved.

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Tally and the Angel: Book Three, Japan by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Japan (Tally and the Angel #3)Japan by Eleanor Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the third book in the Tally and the Angel series, Tally, her dad, and her angel Jophiel, set off for Japan. Twelve-year-old Tally quickly gets wrapped up in an adventure involving some new Japanese friends. Japan makes for an amazing backdrop as Tally is faced with numerous challenges that include a cursed drum, a ghostly queen, mythical beings, samurai warriors, and long-buried secrets. While she is busy trying to solve mysteries her sidekick angel, Jophiel seems to be a bit distracted by a mysterious Japanese angel who may or may not have the have the answer about the curse from long ago. Tally becomes in a race against time, and she must be brave if she is to solve the mystery. She also must decide if she trusts her new friends.

This was a beautifully written book that immerses the reader into the modern world of Japan as well as its history, culture, and ancient traditions. As Tally becomes immersed in the culture of Japan, we are able to learn of its ancient traditions such as sumo wrestling, taiko drumming, and tea ceremonies. We learn how strong and courageous young Tally is as she tries to solve the mystery surrounding Miyu and Yoshi. Through her adventure Tally learns about friendship, trust, and bravery. This book is full of danger, suspense, mystery, intrigue, drama, and paranormal elements. A perfect addition to any pre-teen’s library.

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The Innovator: An Enemies to Lovers Romance (WaterFyre Rising) by Nadia Han – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising, #3)The Innovator by Nadia Han
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grayson Wu is a man with vision, he is an architect with an eye for detail and a drive to succeed in his every venture, but he is also under a lot of pressure because of this and other events which have taken place in his life and the emotional toll it has taken on his heart and soul. Natalie Chapelle is a woman who is determined to help the family business which is in dire straights and while Natalie is trying to figure out what to do about it, but she is also seeking answers of a different kind, but for this to succeed, she has to change, take a low paying job and work in a field she knows nothing about.

From the moment Natalie and Grayson meet, their personalities go head to head and the irritation Natalie feels for this enigmatic, handsome and egotistical man are the only thing which could derail her plans and this is especially true when he demands that she is his link between their offices on his biggest project to date. Grayson is both intrigued and excited by the breath of fresh air which is Natalie and the fact that she doesn’t back down or fawn over him like all the other women who surround him makes her even more of a mystery to solve and that is why he chooses her to work on his latest and most important build yet.

Neither Natalie or Grayson can deny that there is a pull between them, but they have both had too much heartache in their pasts to trust and open up the walls they have both written around their hearts, but the more they are thrown together both inside and outside of work, the tension builds and finally their willpower snaps, but can their budding romance stand true when the going gets tough and their dark pasts collide with the present, or will the ultimate sacrifices have to be made? This is a romantic suspense which is full of secrets, lies, revelations, the creation and destruction of bonds and drama galore, as this fast paced and all encompassing series makes the name “Waterfyre” more real with every turn.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Raising Elle (Sweet Valley Series Book 1) by S.E Reichert – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Raising ElleRaising Elle by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I love the small town feel where this story mostly takes place of Sweet Valley, Wyoming as Elle and Blake try and navigate past hurts, miscommunication, love and hard work. This is my first book I read from this author and I am already looking forward to more from this series.

When Elle returns to Sweet Valley after leaving the busy area of California, she is determined to no longer be beaten down emotionally, physically and mentally. Elle decides to take over her old Gran’s place and make a life on her own terms while trying to raise animals and also pick up her love of cooking and baking. She slowly builds herself back but also she knows the likes of Blake O’Conner is still very much in Sweet Valley as well.

Blake hears the news of Elle’s return but not without being bitter and down right mean at times. He is determined that he wants nothing to do with Elle, but with a little convincing from Elle to get Blake back on his feet…..Elle offer’s Blake work on her farm and a safe place to be.

What happens when Elle feels like her past may be out to get her at every turn, will Blake be able to help Elle when she needs it most while they are both also trying to heal from their past from many years ago and express the love they have for each other that they have not done?

This is a great story. Please be warned of some triggers of abuse and neglect. I love the characters and just navigating their way to each other with a slow burn.

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Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Trish Ann

Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5)Stay For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book and it was a quick read. Garrett was a little frustrating in the beginning of the book for me. It took me a while to get invested in the story but once I did, it flowed pretty well. Garrett and Olivia’s chemistry was good. I always love a good second chance story. I would read others by this author.

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Last King (Legacy of Riverfall Book 1) by Amabel Daniels Reviewed by Jasmin Slagle

Last King (Legacy of Riverfall Book 1)Last King by Amabel Daniels
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maren is a healer, actually she’s the only healer in her village. After defending Kane a war is set into motion.

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Three Women in November by Jim Shomos – Review by Tausha Treadway

Three Women in November  Women in November by Jim Shomos
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Three Women in November by Jim Shomos. This is such a great romance and very different from any I’ve read. Its actually based on a true story of a divorced man with 3 boys who lives in Australia. He finally has decided to find love and move on with his his life. He meets Zoya on a business trip and is immediately infatuated with her. She is not into Leo as much as he’s into her so after a bit they decide to call it quits. Next he meets Aysha who is his therapist and everyone knows that’s not a good idea. She lets him know that he doesn’t love himself and that is why he can’t love anyone else. She helps him to see that unhealed scars leak over to all your relationships if you don’t heal. He starts to think she might be the one but due to client/therapist rules they can’t date. Next we meet Jade who is in the same line of work as him. Jade is still in her marriage but it is not going to make it. She has all kinds of baggage and looking to change herself to move on. All of these women have one thing in common, telling Leo he’s not ready for a relationship so Leo realizes maybe he needs to work on himself first before starting a new relationship. This book was so fun and a lot different than most romances so I truly enjoyed it.

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Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow! (Science Folktales) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the BeansFee, Fi, Fo, Grow!: The Real Magic of the Beans by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fee, Fi, Fo, Grow is a recreation of Jack and the Bean Stalk. Jacqueline is a little girl living with her mother and they have a hard time finding food. They own a cow named Bessie and decide to sell her so they can eat. On the way to market, Jacqueline trades for some seeds. Well, as you probably know the seeds grow overnight into a huge stalk with a Giant couple living at the top. The wife is very nice and wants to help the little girl out, while the husband wants to eat her. He chased her and then said he would wait for her to come back because she was bringing his wife beans. Jaqueline sneakily brought the wife beans and got a basket of golden eggs in return, which now makes her and her mother rich. This book is a Science Folktale but I didn’t feel it taught as much as in the other stories the author has written. I thought this one explained how growing food is profitable for the sustainability of life, but how one goes about was fiction. One could take a deeper meaning from it where when you are at your lowest, there are times that your luck can change for the better. Sometimes you just have to take a chance on something that seems unrealistic.

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Obedience (Ties That Bind Book 1) by Liza Snow – Review by Tonya Merritt

ObedienceObedience by Liza Snow

In this original teacher student love story, you’ll fall so in love with Chandler and Cassandra. It is a slow but much anticipated build throughout the book. I had no clue anything about the Cirque and aerialists but the story teaches you how everything works. A great read for a slow rainy afternoon.

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Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Angelina Frazzini

Stay For Me (The Balefire Series Book 5)Stay For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is book five of the series. While this book can be read as a standalone, there are reoccurring characters and it would be good to read from the beginning. I didn’t read in order and I don’t feel like I missed anything major. It was a good book though and I’m sure the rest of the series is so I need to go back and read the others.

Garrett did what he thought he needed to do for his career. He is managing Balefire and ten years ago, building his career meant giving up Olivia. Now the band is all settling down and Garrett realizes what he’s missing. Like the universe knew it was time, he runs into Olivia. Only now, he’s not giving up. Garrett walking away just about killed Olivia. Now though, she’s making it or at least trying to. Directing music videos is her passion. The only problem is her studio isn’t doing so well. Directing a video for Balefire would make a world of difference. The only problem with that is Garrett. Will these two put the past behind them? Will Garrett choose Olivia this time?

I really enjoyed this book. It was a good read. I was a little annoyed with Garrett at the beginning because he seemed very whiny that the guys were all settling down and actually took their women’s opinions into account. The annoyance does fade though and I’m glad I gave the book a chance. It was a good read and I enjoyed following Garrett’s development as a character.

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The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Tonya Merritt

The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There are wonderful characters in this book. Each character shows you a different person. This story is very realistic and is very personal. A great story to read when you just need a pick me up and to know that you aren’t alone.

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Reaper (War Brothers MC Book 1) by Bianca Lee Ward – Review by Allyson Ware

Reaper (War Brothers MC, #1)Reaper by Bianca Lee Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first novel I have read in a long time that has titles on each chapter. I did not realize that the books I previously read did not have titles on the chapters until I started reading this one and I cannot believe how much I miss that! Just something that small and insignificant that made a big difference in my reading.

Reaper and Ava are two amazing characters. The strength and resilience that Ava has is inspiring. I work with victims of crime every day and Ava’s domestic violence situation does not go unnoticed. The victim blaming makes me irate and is something I deal with daily. This is not your standard MC book, but I still really enjoyed it. It was fast paced and easy to read. I highly recommend!

Review by @aware
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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Monster for Meg is about a girl who wants to understand why monsters are so scary. Meg is blind so she has her sister start to describe the scariness of a monster. The funny thing is Meg doesn’t find it so scary because everything being described reminds her of something her sister already does. It was a cute book. I like how they made it that just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean you can’t experience something. Also, the fact that although you may not see it doesn’t mean it is scary. It was a cute, inclusive take on a childhood fear for many.

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A Monster for Meg (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley

A Monster for MegA Monster for Meg by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the inclusiveness of this story. This is the story of Meg, who is blind, and her sister who is describing to Meg what a monster is like. It’s a very cute story of how Meg’s sister describes the monster and how Meg relates the monster back to her sister. I love how Wickstrom always weaves life lessons into her stories and is very inclusive as well. This is probably one of my favorites. And as always, the illustrations are on point.

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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The First Sin (South of Eden) Audiobook by Lisa Beth Darling – Review by Bobbi Wagner

This is my first audio by this author.  It is a little different story for me but I enjoyed listening to it from beginning to end.  I enjoyed how the narrator brought life to the story by using different tones.  The story has some suspense in it as well.  You could tell when something was going to happen by the narrator’s tone.  I enjoyed the characters and the growth of the plot.  Lucifer finds himself back in the Garden of Eden only to find his Cain with some troubles.  What happens you will need to listen to this audio to find out.  I did enjoy listening to this book and glad that I picked it up.  I highly recommend this audiobook.

The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Promised PlanThe Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this great emotional story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed and look forward to seeing what is next for them. I found this book to be well written and engaging. It is a shorter story but it sure packs a punch. The characters are strong and supportive of each other. They are relatable and took me on an emotional ride that just kept going. This is a story about a mother and her plan to reconcile her daughters. But what happens when the plan outlives the mother? This is a hard to put down story that is written with heart and soul. It will pull at your heart strings and bring reality to life. I really enjoyed this book and how much the characters added to the story. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Aliens on Earth Anthology (Limited Edition Romance Collections) by Various Authors – Review by Megan Conley

Aliens on EarthAliens on Earth by Mandy Melanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This anthology was a little outside of my normal genre but there were a few stories that caught my eye so I wanted to give it a try.
The first story I read was The Alien & The Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie. This is the story of Leilphun, who is exiled from his home planet for standing up for what he believes in, and Kasper, the crime boss who is fighting for what is rightfully his. This is a quick read and definitely feels rushed is places, but I believe that Valkyrie could flush this story out more and really develop the characters and plot line. I really enjoyed this story. This is a MM romance and there is allusion to spice, but no direct spiciness.
The second story I read was Her Alien Rock Star by Elle Ryan. This was a very short, but very spicy read. I definitely feel this one could be fleshed out more as well. There is a story here waiting to be developed. I really liked the connection between AJ and Ceol that Ryan was able to convey to the readers within a very short amount of time. And the amount of spice and the level of creative license on appendages and their abilities…just *chef’s kiss*!
Overall, I really enjoyed the stories in this anthology even though it was a little out of my wheelhouse. It definitely introduced me to some new authors that I look forward to reading. And for the most part, these stories are quick and easy reads. Great if your are looking for something short and spicy.

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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